Former kickboxer and controversial internet personality Andrew Tate announced plans to abandon fiat currency altogether and invest a whopping $100 million in Bitcoin.
This move, if finalised, would be a significant shift for Tate, who has a considerable net worth currently tied up in USD. His frustration with traditional banking systems and inflation likely played a role in this decision.
However, there's a twist. Tate later clarified that he already holds more crypto than fiat, hinting that he might be even further along the path to complete fiat-abandonment than initially implied.
This is a surprising turn of events considering Tate previously criticised cryptocurrency. But his recent interest has blossomed further, even leading him to propose his own crypto venture earlier this year.
With Bitcoin experiencing a bullish 2024 and the potential for further growth fueled by factors like Spot ETFs, Tate's potential investment could see him reap significant profits.
But is it worth the move?
Bitcoin's value stems from its ability to function as a store of value and a medium of exchange. It shares many attributes with traditional fiat currencies, including scarcity, divisibility, portability, and durability.
However, unlike fiat currencies controlled by central banks, Bitcoin's supply is capped at 21 million, creating scarcity and potentially driving demand.
Here's a breakdown of how Bitcoin compares to fiat:
Scarcity:
Bitcoin's limited supply stands in contrast to fiat currencies, which can be printed at will by governments, potentially leading to inflation.
Decentralisation:
Bitcoin operates on a decentralised network, removing the need for a central authority to regulate it. This can be appealing to users who distrust traditional financial institutions.
Global Acceptance:
Bitcoin transactions can be completed anywhere with an internet connection, surpassing geographical limitations of fiat currencies.
While Bitcoin offers unique benefits, it also comes with drawbacks. Its price experiences significant volatility, making it a risky investment.
Additionally, widespread adoption by merchants is still limited compared to traditional currencies.
Ultimately, the choice between Bitcoin and fiat depends on an individual's needs and risk tolerance.
Bitcoin offers an alternative for those seeking a decentralised and potentially high-growth asset, while fiat remains the dominant form of currency for everyday transactions.
Back in 2021, El Salvador adopted the US dollar to address chronic instability with its own currency, the colón. This move brought much-needed monetary stability.
However, later in the same year, El Salvador became the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender alongside the US dollar.
Currently, El Salvador is aggressively accumulating Bitcoin, aiming to buy one BTC every day until it becomes too expensive.
This strategy reflects their belief in Bitcoin's long-term value. They began by making Bitcoin legal tender in 2021 and haven't slowed down despite international concerns.
Their "1 Bitcoin per Day" program, launched in late 2022, stockpiles Bitcoin for the future. To ensure security, they recently transferred a significant portion to a cold storage wallet.
Despite a modest adoption rate among citizens, El Salvador sees Bitcoin as a future asset and continues buying, currently holding over 5,700 BTC with a significant profit.
Their National Bitcoin Office recently launched a blockchain explorer, demonstrating transparency in their Bitcoin transactions. El Salvador's unwavering commitment to Bitcoin showcases their belief in its potential to drive economic growth.
Presently, El Salvador holds the 6th position in Bitcoin holdings among governance. However, for national average holdings, it tops the chart with about 0.000899 BTC per citizen.
El Salvador is leading the charge in adopting Bitcoin. They not only legalised it as tender in 2021, but they're also mining it using geothermal energy from volcanoes.
This eco-friendly approach has yielded nearly 500 bitcoins for the country.
El Salvador isn't alone.
Bhutan uses hydropower for mining, while Ethiopia and Texas are also exploring Bitcoin mining with renewable energy sources.
This trend suggests that countries with surplus clean electricity could benefit from following El Salvador's example.
Bitcoin's recent halving event has propelled it ahead of gold in the race for the soundest store of value. With a slashed inflation rate of 0.85%, Bitcoin now trumps gold's 2.3% annual inflation.
This scarcity makes Bitcoin more attractive to investors seeking assets that hold their value over time, particularly against the backdrop of inflationary pressures plaguing traditional currencies in many countries.
Bitcoin's digital nature also trumps gold's physical limitations, offering superior divisibility and portability, making it a more convenient investment option.
This development is likely to spur wider adoption of Bitcoin by investors and financial institutions seeking portfolio diversification.
The landscape of finance is undergoing a digital revolution. Bitcoin, the first and most popular cryptocurrency, is challenging the dominance of traditional fiat currencies.
While both serve as mediums of exchange and stores of value, they differ fundamentally in their design and operation.
Fiat currencies, controlled by central banks, offer stability and widespread acceptance. Bitcoin, on the other hand, boasts a capped supply and decentralised network, appealing to those seeking an alternative to the traditional financial system.
El Salvador's bold experiment with Bitcoin as legal tender presents a glimpse into the future of finance. Their unwavering commitment, coupled with Bitcoin's potential for growth, raises intriguing questions: could Bitcoin become a mainstream currency, or will it remain a volatile, niche asset?
As governments and financial institutions grapple with these questions, one thing is certain: the world of finance is on the cusp of a transformative era.
Data from the Bank of Korea (BOK) has showed that the number of cryptocurrency investors in Korea has reached 15.59 million as of November, an increase of 610,000 compared to the previous month, representing more than 30% of Korea's entire population of approximately 51.23 million.
XingChiLuxury brands and businesses like Printemps, S.T. Dupont, and Virgin Voyages are now accepting Bitcoin as payment, driven by its record value of over $108,000. This shift highlights growing interest in cryptocurrency for high-end purchases despite challenges like consumer education and regulatory barriers.
WeatherlyMicrosoft shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to add Bitcoin to the company's balance sheet, with only 0.55% in support. The board expressed concerns about Bitcoin's volatility, despite acknowledging its potential as an inflation hedge.
WeatherlyEl Salvador and Argentina have signed an agreement to collaborate on cryptocurrency regulation and innovation in Latin America. The deal aims to share expertise, boost crypto growth, and strengthen the regulatory framework for digital assets in both countries.
AnaisFormer Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao Predicts China could beat the United States of America at building a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
XingChiBinance has not yet decided on its new global headquarters due to complexities like tax laws and talent acquisition challenges. Legal troubles, including Changpeng Zhao's legal issues and a $4.3 billion fine, have led Binance to restructure its leadership and adopt better governance strategies.
WeatherlyBilly Markus, the founder of Dogecoin, recently shared regret about selling 37.37 bitcoins in 2015 for $424,152.54 — a decision that would now be worth over $368 million. Despite stepping away from Dogecoin in 2015, Markus reflects on its impact as a cultural icon while highlighting its true value lies in its community and shared ideals, not just market performance.
WeatherlyBitcoin has reached a new all-time high, surpassing $100,000, while CZ remains unaffected by the surge, holding onto the same amount of Bitcoin. Binance Coin (BNB) also hit a record high, but CZ’s focus remains on Bitcoin’s long-term value rather than its fluctuating price.
WeatherlyMeitu sold its entire crypto portfolio, making nearly $80 million just before bitcoin’s surge above $100,000. The company plans to distribute 80% of the gains to shareholders and refocus on its AI-driven apps.
AnaisBitcoin surpassed $100,000 on 5 December, driven by growing optimism following Trump’s pro-crypto appointments, including Paul Atkins for SEC Chair. This milestone signals investor confidence in a crypto-friendly future under Trump’s upcoming administration, which takes office on 20 January 2025.
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Xu LinSocial media personality and former professional kickboxer Andrew Tate has recently endorsed a blockchain he believes will be “huge.”
FinboldEl Salvador legislates expedited citizenship for Bitcoin donors, further integrating cryptocurrency in governance.
KikyoIn his unconventional perspective on Bitcoin, Andrew Tate emphasises the significance of financial autonomy and control, resonating with those who value personal sovereignty in an age of government influence. While not everyone may concur with Tate on all matters, his insights on Bitcoin act as a unifying focal point in the pursuit of financial independence.
JasperAndrew Tate, a controversial figure known for his participation in various industries, finds himself at the center of a storm ...
BitcoinistEl Salvador’s congress approved a digital securities law that would allow the nation to raise funds through the world’s first sovereign blockchain bond.
OthersEl Salvador's national bitcoin wallet continues to face major issues a week after its official launch.
CointelegraphOn Sept. 7, El Salvador became the first country to adopt BTC as legal tender, drawing both praise and criticism from the global community.
CointelegraphThis latest purchase brings El Salvador's Bitcoin reserves to about 1,120 BTC.
Cointelegraph"Policy unpredictability" and "adoption of bitcoin as legal tender" were part of the reason for Fitch's downgrade of El Salvador.
Cointelegraph